We talked to Lucy Spraggan about life in the public eye, mental health and coming out
DtL: Hi Lucy! You have just released the very emotive ‘Dear you’ – you have said it is about the impact mental health can have upon us; what events inspired you to write the song?
Lucy: I wanted people to speak more about mental health and thought I could start by writing something to make people talk. I want more people to reach out to others when they might be in a difficult time.
DtL: Based on you experiences, what is it like to identify as a lesbian in 2016 and what needs to change?
Lucy: I think there is a long way to go across the world for equality, but I feel like England is really leading the way. I married my wife this year and it is truly amazing that we had the ability to do that. In some places it is still punishable by death to be a homosexual so I feel incredibly lucky to live here.
“I suffer really badly with anxiety, some days it can be completely debilitating”
DtL: Did you ever experience bullying? If so can you tell us what happened and how you overcame the experience.
Lucy: I dyed my hair red in the six week holidays before starting year 7 and by the time the term had started it had faded to a gingery colour. Most of the boys in my new class immediately started calling me ‘Rusty’ and I absolutely hated it. I’m not sure if they knew how unhappy it made me – it stuck for ages! It’s mad how something like that when you’re younger can be so hurtful and now it would be like water off a duck’s back. I wish I’d have spoken to my family about it but instead I started to act out. I think my teachers would have been able to help.
DtL: What advice would you give to those who may be experiencing bullying or feel like they don’t fit in because of attitudes towards their sexuality?
Lucy: I think you have to remember that you are more than you think you are. You are your best asset and you are on your way to great things. Try to speak to your family and friends about what is happening, or even the police. Try to get away from the situation as best as possible and continue on your path to your great future.
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DtL: What has been your proudest moment so far?
Lucy: Every day I feel really proud of what I’ve achieved. I’m not sure there is a moment I could pinpoint!
“It’s alright to be different”
DtL: What are your most prominent challenges, and how do you overcome them?
Lucy: I suffer really badly with anxiety, some days it can be completely debilitating. I try to focus on what is good and what is happening in that moment. I try to be mindful and work towards feeling better.
DtL: If you could go back in time, what one thing would you tell your younger self?
Lucy: It’s alright to be different.
DtL: What are the best/worst things about being famous?
Lucy: I think it’s amazing to have people stop me in the street and ask for pictures or receive letters saying that my music has changed someone’s life. It’s a really overwhelming thing and I feel incredibly lucky for it.
I’d say the downside is negative people, in any format; the nasty, the jealous, the aggressive. Whether that’s online or in person, sadly they exist.
“I take something that makes me think and write about it”
DtL: What tends to inspire your writing?
Lucy: Everything. They’re closing my local cinema and I’ve been going there for my whole life. That’s something I’ve started writing about. The song’s called ‘popcorn’. I take something that makes me think and write about it.
DtL: Have you got any tips for those who might want to come out but don’t know how?
Lucy: Be brave. Make sure you are in a safe place and that you don’t feel pressurised. Take your time.
DtL: Is there anything you would like to add?
Lucy: Have a lovely Xmas! (It’s nearly here 🙈)
